In the legend, the dragon is an extortionist: greedily demanding more and more from villagers than they can give; and thus keeping the community as victims of poverty and oppression.
When George comes, he engages with the corrupt creature to allow the people to once again have the fullness of life that they – and all people – are gifted by God.
The window that we bless this morning shows this dragon under St. George’s feet, reminding all who see it of the power of community care over crushing greed.
How beautiful a tribute for us to honour a parish that exercised their ministry in supporting those in our midst who experience poverty and need. The parish of St. George’s faithfully serv ed its community, opening its doors and their hearts to all who would come, seeking ways to make meaningful connections with their neighbours, to overcome the challenges that our unfair society was imposing on them.
May this window inspire us all to seek ways to serve our neighbours that all may flourish and have the abundant life that Christ has promised.
In earlier days of aviation, it was imperative that people located landmarks so they could orient themselves and continue in the right direction; or to make course corrections to end up where they intended.
In the prairies, so often those landmarks were churches: tall, distinctive, clearly marking specific locations. It’s why in the Aviator window that we bless and dedicate today, we see a prairie church on the backdrop of a prairie sky: a landmark for the right way.
It reminds me of the passage from the Proverbs 22: Do not remove the ancient landmark that your fathers set up.
While we can hear this in the context of a building, the deeper meaning of this biblical teaching was to keep faith as the landmark of life. The life of faith, rooted in the scriptures and community, was passed on from one generation to the next as THE landmark to search for.
How fitting then, that in our Aviator window, the church is illuminated by the Spirit: the Holy Dove shining on the landmark of faith.
What a blessing for us, as the Cathedral, to have this gift of faith and focus – to share with all who come through our doors.
Let us pray:
Gracious God, you continue to reveal to us new ways that we may praise and serve you.
We ask you to bless these windows, so generously given, as we dedicate them to this sacred space; for this and future generations to benefit.
May they be for us a reminder of your eternal goodness, and of our privilege to see you in new ways and respond with loving kindness.
Amen.
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